India to unveil DRDO’s long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile at 77th Republic Day parade

Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) long-range Anti-Ship Hypersonic Glide Missile is set to make its public debut in the 77th Republic Day Parade at Kartavyapath on January 26.

About DRDO's long-range anti-ship hypersonic glide missile 

The LRAShM missiles have a range of 1,500 km and will strengthen India's capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. Its display at the Republic Day parade will showcase India's self-reliance in the defence industry.

Speaking to ANI, Project Director A Prasad Goud said that DRDO is working on hypersonic glide missile and hypersonic cruise missile technologies.

The hypersonic anti-ship missile, capable of travelling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, represents a significant advancement in India’s indigenous defence ecosystem.

Designed to strike high-value naval targets at extended ranges, the missile combines extreme speed, manoeuvrability, and precision, making interception by enemy air defence systems exceedingly difficult.

Defence officials indicate that the system is tailored to enhance India’s maritime deterrence, particularly in contested sea lanes and high-threat environments.

According to sources familiar with the programme, the missile is part of India’s broader push to develop next-generation weapon systems that can operate across domains and provide credible deterrence against technologically advanced adversaries.

Its induction is expected to significantly strengthen the Indian Navy’s ability to counter hostile surface combatants, including aircraft carriers and large warships, from stand-off distances.

The Republic Day parade has traditionally served as a platform for India to demonstrate its indigenous defence achievements, and this year’s display is being viewed as especially significant.

The debut of a hypersonic weapon places India in an elite group of nations possessing such advanced strike capabilities.

DRDO’s success with hypersonic technologies is built on years of research, testing, and validation in areas such as high-speed propulsion, advanced materials, guidance systems, and thermal management.

Defence analysts note that showcasing the missile at Kartavyapath sends a strong strategic signal, pointing to India’s focus on self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and its ability to design and develop cutting-edge military platforms domestically.

As geopolitical competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific region, the unveiling of the long-range hypersonic anti-ship missile is expected to draw close attention from global defence watchers.

The display not only reflects India’s technological maturity but also its intent to safeguard maritime interests and maintain a robust deterrence posture in an increasingly complex security environment.

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